System, methodologies, and components acquiring, analyzing, and using occupant body specifications for improved seating structures and environment configuration

ABSTRACT

Equipment and processes generate a seating solution by obtaining occupant data, calculating body dimensions from the occupant data, and calculating a best-fit body arrangement for an occupant. Occupant data may be obtained in various ways using available computational devices and software or by manually measuring the relevant dimensions on the occupant. A user interface for inputting occupant metrics and/or occupant measurements may be provided in a mobile terminal included in the vehicle or separate from the vehicle, thus giving users increased flexibility while maximizing simplicity and usability for the user or other personnel obtaining the data. Once an occupant&#39;s best-fit body arrangement is determined, it may be altered by changing the predetermined criteria to achieve optimum comfort, safety, and therapeutic benefit as well as used for providing improved comfort on a continuous basis and/or in response to detected or predicted vehicle, road, or atmospheric conditions.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/390,863, filed Oct. 7, 2010, U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/506,508, filed Jul. 11, 2011, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/533,408, filed Sep. 12, 2011, which areexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to seating, and particularly to seatingused in conjunction with vehicles or other seating in which comfortand/or fit is valued. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto a system, methodologies, and components for improving fit of seatingso as to be customized to an occupant.

SUMMARY

In accordance with illustrated embodiments, equipment and processesprovide the ability to adjust manually and/or automatically variousdimensions of a vehicle seat so that the vehicle is customized to anoccupant's preferences. Such adjustment mechanisms enable the occupantto conform the seat dimensions and position to the occupant's comfortpreferences and to customize the seat dimensions and positions for theoccupant's height, weight, and gender. This type of customization is notlimited to height adjustment or seat positioning but may also includecontrol of the cushion tilt, fore/aft slide, upper back angleadjustment, cushion length adjustment, headrest adjustment, lumbarsupport, etc.

In illustrative embodiments, equipment and processes may generate abest-fit body arrangement for each occupant according to the occupant'santhropometric data rather than from generalizations. The anthropometricdata may be obtained in various ways using computational devices andsoftware or by manually measuring the relevant dimensions on theoccupant's body. As a result, flexibility in obtaining the occupant datais provided.

In illustrative embodiments, a computational device may be a mobileterminal that includes a user interface. The user interface may be usedfor inputting occupant data. The mobile terminal may be included in thevehicle or separate from the vehicle, thus giving users increasedflexibility while maximizing simplicity and usability for the user orother personnel obtaining the occupant data. Once an occupant's best-fitbody arrangement is determined, it may be altered by changingpredetermined criteria to achieve optimum, comfort, safety, and/ortherapeutic benefit. The best-fit body arrangement may also be used toprovide improved comfort on a continuous basis and/or in response todetected or predicted vehicle, road, or atmospheric conditions.

In illustrative embodiments, equipment and processes may generate abest-fit seating solution that provides an arrangement of a vehicle seatthat causes an occupant's body to assume the best-fit body position whenthe occupant rests on the vehicle seat. The best-fit seating solutionmay be determined for each occupant according to the occupant'santhropometric data rather than from generalizations. As a result, apersonalized or customized arrangement of the vehicle seat for theoccupant may be achieved.

In illustrative embodiments, equipment and processes may be provided forgenerating a best-fit seating solution by obtaining occupant data,calculating body dimensions from the occupant data, and calculating abest-fit body arrangement for the occupant using the body dimensions andpredetermined criteria. Occupant data may be obtained by receivingsensor data, receiving data directly input from a user interface, or acombination of the two. Obtaining occupant data may include inputtinggeneral occupant metrics (e.g., height, weight, and gender) andcollecting sensor data. Collected sensor data may include a digitalphotograph showing overall dimensions of the occupant and/oraccelerometer data obtained during predetermined movements of theaccelerometer by the occupant. Sensor data and occupant data may beobtained on a mobile terminal that may be separate from the vehicle orincluded in or coupled to the vehicle.

In illustrative embodiments, occupant data may be used to calculate aset of body dimensions which model the occupant's body. Body dimensionsmay be calculated using occupant anthropometric data and sensor data.First, the sensor data and occupant data are converted into body ratios.The body ratios and occupant metrics are then used to calculateexternal-body dimensions. Thickness of the occupant's flesh may then beestimated and used to calculate internal-body dimensions that arerepresentative of the occupant's skeleton.

In illustrative embodiments, the internal-body dimensions may then beused to calculate a best-fit body arrangement for the occupant by usingpredetermined criteria. A plurality of possible orientations of theoccupant's internal body dimensions may then be calculated using a setof predetermined criteria, such as the angle of the occupant's femurrelative to the floor of the vehicle. These various orientations maycorrespond to various postures the occupant may assume while sitting inthe vehicle seat and satisfying a set of predetermined criteria.Finally, an average posture may be selected, and the correspondingarrangement of the occupant's body may be selected as the best-fit bodyarrangement.

In illustrative embodiments, equipment and processes may be provided foradjusting user-adjustable equipment in a vehicle by generating abest-fit seating solution, and generating equipment-adjustmentinstructions for automatic, powered, and/or manual vehicle seats. Thebest-fit seating solution may be generated using occupant data suppliedto a computer. The computer may then determine the best-fit bodyarrangement for the occupant according to predetermined criteria. Thecomputer may then generate equipment-adjustment instructions using knowninformation about equipment in the vehicle. Relevant information mayinclude the movement capability of the equipment, whether the equipmentis moved manually or by powered actuators, and the position of theequipment in the vehicle.

In illustrative embodiments, the best-fit seating solution and theequipment-adjustment instructions may be generated on a remote computerthat may be located away from the vehicle. The equipment-adjustmentinstructions may be communicated automatically or in a semi-autonomousmanner to the equipment in the vehicle and adjusted using poweredactuators included in the equipment, or may be communicated to a user inthe field to adjust manually the equipment.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant-support system may include acommunication unit, at least one intelligent vehicle seat, and a sourceof data to be used by the intelligent vehicle seat. The occupant-supportsystem may be configured to obtain data and optimize the occupant'sseating experience using that data. The sources of data include a sensorintegrated into the vehicle seat and configured to sense an occupant'santhropometric data and an occupant's comfort data, a sensor integratedinto a vehicle cabin, input received from a mobile terminal, inputreceived from a user interface, and input received from a remote server.

In illustrative embodiments, occupant-support system illustrativelyincludes a communication unit, at least one intelligent vehicle seat,and a source of data to be used by the intelligent vehicle seat. Thecommunication unit included in the vehicle may be configured to providemeans for communicating data to the intelligent vehicle seat from thedata source. As a result, the data source may be a mobile terminal and aremote server working together to obtain occupant data and calculateseat-adjustment instructions, which are communicated back to theintelligent vehicle seat and carried out by the intelligent vehicleseat. In illustrative embodiments, the data source may be a userinterface included in the vehicle that receives data from a user anddisplays data to the user.

In illustrative embodiments, the data source may be a sensor packageincluded in a vehicle cabin or in the intelligent vehicle seat or acombination of the previously discussed data sources. The sensor packagemay be one or more sensors included in the vehicle seat and configuredto obtain occupant data, e.g., weight, height, body dimensions,topography, and data relating to the occupant's perceived comfort. Theoccupant and comfort data may be sent across the communication networkto a remote server and used to continually update and modify thebest-fit seating solution applied to the intelligent vehicle seat.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant-support system may include thecommunication unit, a front intelligent vehicle seat, and a rearintelligent vehicle seat. The front and rear intelligent vehicle seatsmay be coupled to the communication unit and may be configured toexchange data about the position and state of each seat with the otherseat either directly or through the communication unit. As a result, theintelligent seats may act as sources of data that are then used tocalculate a best-fit cabin solution. The best-fit cabin solution may bethe arrangement of intelligent vehicle seats relative to one anotherthat maximizes comfort and safety of each occupant sitting in his or herseat.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant-support system may include acommunication unit, at least one intelligent vehicle seat, and a sourceof data to be used by the at least one intelligent vehicle seat. Theoccupant-support system may be further configured to use data regardingan occupant's size and seating preferences to optimize the occupant'sseating experience and to provide additional customization of anoccupant's seating configuration performed on an initial or continuousbasis.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant support system may include avehicle seat and a pneumatic system coupled to the vehicle seat. Thepneumatic system may includes a pneumatic bladder coupled to the vehicleto inflate and change a seat surface included in the vehicle seat, apressurized air source coupled to the bladder to change the air pressurein the bladder, and a pressure sensor coupled to the pneumatic bladderto sense the air pressure in the bladder. The pressure sensor may befurther coupled to a control unit included in the vehicle seat to causethe control unit to command the pressurized air source to alter the airpressure in the bladder when the air pressure is sensed to be outside anacceptable range.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant-support system may beconfigured to alter the occupant's seating configuration parameters toadjust for vehicle handling and/or speed variations resulting frompredicted driving conditions resulting from detection of the occupant'svehicle based on Global Positioning System (GPS) detection. Theoccupant-support system may be further configured to adjust for detectedweather and/or traffic conditions.

In illustrative embodiments, an occupant's vehicle seat arrangement maybe adjusted based on data generated by a sensor package that may includeone or more sensors coupled to the occupant's vehicle seat. Thesevehicle-seat sensors may be configured to obtain occupant data (e.g.,weight, height, body dimensions, topography) and data relating to theoccupant's perceived comfort. The occupant and comfort data may be sentacross the communication unit to a remote computer and used tocontinually update and modify the best-fit seating solution applied tothe intelligent vehicle seat.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodimentsexemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIGS. 1-22 are a series of views showing various embodiments andconfigurations of a configuration control system and their illustrativeuse, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of the configuration control systemcomponents acquiring, analyzing and using occupant body specificationsto determine a best-fit body arrangement for an occupant;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a configuration control system inaccordance with the present disclosure showing that the configurationcontrol system includes a mobile terminal, a remote computer, and acommunication unit configured to facilitate communication between themobile terminal and the remote computer;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle-seat fitting processperformed by the configuration control system of FIG. 2 showing that thevehicle-seat fitting process includes acquiring data and calculatingbody arrangements;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing that acquiring data includesacquiring occupant data through a series of illustrative steps includinginitiating data acquisition, accessing a user interface, inputtinganthropometric data associated with an occupant, and storing theoccupant data for use during calculation of body arrangements assuggested in FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view showing that calculating body arrangementincludes sending data by encrypting the occupant data, sending theoccupant data, authenticating the occupant data, and decrypting theoccupant data and analyzing data by calculating body ratios, calculatingexternal-body dimensions, calculating internal-body dimensions,calculating best-fit comfort zones, selecting best-fit postures, andcalculating a best-fit body arrangement for the occupant;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a mobile terminal running at least onesoftware application configured to perform acquisition and analysis ofoccupant body specifications for modifying seating structure andenvironment configuration;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2 displaying,on the user interface, a main menu of functions for acquiring, analyzingand using occupant body specifications for improved seating structure,and environment configuration;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram of the components of the mobileterminal illustrated in FIG. 6 and configured to cooperate to supportand implement the menu of functions for acquiring, analyzing, and usingoccupant body specifications as shown in FIG. 7 for improved seatingstructure and environment configuration;

FIGS. 9-20 provide a series of screen shots illustrating the userinterface functionality provided by at least one software applicationand used to perform optimization and/or customization of an occupant'svehicle seat based on physical dimensions of the occupant, wherein:

FIG. 21 is a view of another mobile terminal running at least onesoftware application configured to receive input of occupant data assuggested in FIG. 22 after a service provider logs in via a loginscreen;

FIG. 22 is a view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 21 showing an interfacethat allows the user to provide a gender of the occupant and inputanthropometric data measured manually from the occupant;

FIGS. 23-57 are a series of views showing various embodiments andconfigurations of an occupant-support system including the configurationcontrol system of FIGS. 1-22 and an adjustable vehicle seat, wherein:

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative vehicle-seat fittingprocess performed on an occupant-support system showing that thevehicle-seat fitting process includes acquiring data, calculating a bodyarrangement, calculating a seat solution, and adjusting the vehicleseat;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic view of an occupant-support system inaccordance with the present disclosure showing that the occupant-supportsystem includes a configuration control system and an adjustable vehicleseat;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view showing that acquiring data includesacquiring occupant data and acquiring vehicle data, acquiring occupantdata includes initiating data acquisition, accessing a user interface,inputting anthropometric data associated with an occupant, and storingthe occupant data for use during calculation of body arrangements, assuggested in FIG. 26, and acquiring vehicle data includes obtainingvehicle-seat data, obtaining other vehicle-equipment data, and storingthe vehicle data for use during calculating of the seat solution assuggested in FIG. 27;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view showing that calculating body arrangementincludes (i) sending data by encrypting the occupant data, sending theoccupant data, authenticating the occupant data, and decrypting theoccupant data and (ii) analyzing data by calculating body ratios,calculating external-body dimensions, calculating internal-bodydimensions, calculating best-fit comfort zones, selecting best-fitpostures, and calculating a best-fit body arrangement for the occupantfor use during calculating of the seat solution as suggested in FIG. 27;

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view showing that calculating the seatsolution includes (i) calculating a best-fit seating solution, (ii)creating seat-adjustment instructions, and (iii) sending adjustmentinstructions by encrypting the adjustment instructions, sending theseat-adjustment instructions, and decrypting the seat-adjustmentinstructions, and showing that adjusting the vehicle seat includes (i)adjusting a position of the seat bottom per the seat-adjustmentinstructions, (ii) adjusting a position of the seat back per theseat-adjustment instructions, and (iii) adjusting a position of theother vehicle seat options;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic view of the system components acquiring,analyzing, and using occupant body specifications for improving seatingstructure and environment configuration;

FIG. 29 is a screen shot of a mobile terminal running at least onesoftware application that is configured obtain vehicle data by scanningby scanning a QR Code so that the mobile terminal is able to lookuprelevant vehicle data including vehicle seat type and other vehicleequipment capabilities or by manually inputting a vehicle VIN;

FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 showing that the QR Code has beenaccepted and that the associated vehicle VIN has been input;

FIG. 31 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing stored dataassociated with the vehicle VIN including at least one occupant profilethat may contain occupant data, vehicle data, buttons that allow addinga new occupant profile, inputting occupant data, and managing otheroptions including adding other functional programs;

FIGS. 32-34 provide a series of screen shots illustrating the userinterface functionality provided by at least one software applicationand used to deliver optimized and/or customized vehicle seat parametersfrom a user's mobile terminal to the occupant's vehicle seat, wherein

FIG. 35 is another screen shot of a mobile terminal showing that afteroccupant data has been obtained, a best-fit arrangement of the vehicleseat is calculated and then instructions are communicated to aseat-movement system included in the vehicle seat that causes thevehicle seat to move to the best-fit arrangement;

FIG. 36 is a view showing that adjustment of the vehicle seat has beencompleted;

FIGS. 37 and 38 provide perspective illustrations of examples of controlpanels coupled to a vehicle seat;

FIG. 39 provides a screen shot illustrating the user interface providedfunctionality by at least one software application for enabling a userto select from one or more physical ailments or treatment conditions forwhich he is seeking assistance;

FIG. 40 provides a screen shot illustrating the user interfacefunctionality provided by at least one software application fordisseminating treatment information and/or recommendations forpositioning of a vehicle seat;

FIGS. 41-43 provide screen shots illustrating the user interfacefunctionality provided by at least one software application for enablinga user to select from one or more upgrade options for upgradingfunctionality provided by the occupant's vehicle seat via wireless OverThe Air (PTA) configuration;

FIGS. 44 and 45 provide a series of screen shots illustrating the userinterface functionality by at least one software application and used todeliver data and/or software programming associated with the upgradedfunctionality to the user's mobile terminal;

FIGS. 46 and 47 provide a series of screen shots illustrating the userinterface functionality provided by at least one software applicationand utilized to deliver the data and/or software programming associatedwith the upgraded functionality from a user's mobile terminal to theoccupant's vehicle seat;

FIG. 48 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing that the usercan select from one of a Wellness Therapies button and a Pro Posturesbutton and suggesting that the user has selected the Wellness Therapiesbutton;

FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 48 showing that the user has selecteda Shiatsu Massage application, a Workout Relief application, and theMicroFit application among various other Wellness Therapies;

FIG. 50 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing that the userhas selected a Performance Drive application and a GPSFit applicationand that the user has pressed the Install Selections button causing theselected applications to be installed into the seat-movement system;

FIG. 51 is a view showing that the user selected applications are beingsent to the vehicle seat for installation in the seat-movement system;

FIG. 52 is a view similar to FIG. 51 showing that the installation ofthe selected applications are complete;

FIG. 53 is a diagrammatic view used to explain functionality that may beprovided to a user via the system, methodologies and components foracquiring, analyzing and using occupant body specifications to providefor improved seating structure and environment configuration;

FIG. 54 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of anoccupant-support system showing that the occupant-support systemincludes a front vehicle seat and a rear vehicle seat communicatingbetween on another to achieve a best-fit arrangement of both the frontand the rear vehicle seat;

FIGS. 55-57 provide various illustrative diagrams describing variousconfigurations for providing certain communication functionality used bythe system;

FIG. 58 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of anoccupant-support system showing that the occupant-support systemincludes an illustrative mobile terminal, a server, a seat-movementsystem included in a vehicle seat, a personal computer and otherequipment that may be used to provide communication between theequipment components.

FIGS. 59-67 are a series of views showing various embodiments andconfigurations of an occupant-support system including the configurationcontrol system of FIGS. 1-22, an adjustable vehicle seat, and apneumatic system, wherein:

FIG. 59 is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative occupant-supportfitting process performed on the occupant-support system showing thatthe occupant-support fitting process includes acquiring data,calculating a body arrangement, calculating a seat solution, adjustingthe vehicle seat, and adjusting the pneumatic system to achieve anoptimum-fit arrangement of the occupant-support system;

FIG. 60 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of anoccupant-support system in accordance with the present disclosureshowing that the occupant-support system includes the configurationcontrol system, an adjustable vehicle seat in communication with theconfiguration control system, and a pneumatic system including a pair ofpneumatic bladders and a single pressure sensor coupled to bothpneumatic bladders to sense the air pressure in each pneumatic bladderin series one at a time;

FIG. 61 is a diagrammatic view of the pneumatic adjustment portion ofthe occupant-support fitting process showing that pneumatic adjustmentis accomplished by inflating an air bladder included in the pneumaticsystem, sensing air pressure in the pneumatic bladder, determining ifthe air pressure is out of an acceptable range, maintaining the airpressure in the bladder if the air pressure is in the acceptable range,and correcting the air pressure in the bladder if the air pressure isout of the acceptable range;

FIG. 62 is an illustrative screen shot of a mobile terminal in which auser activates an application on the mobile terminal called MicroFitwhich, as an example, causes the seat-movement system to perform thepneumatic adjustment portion of the occupant-support fitting processthat receives an air-pressure reading from the pneumatic bladder andcommands a pressurized air source to adjust the air pressure in thepneumatic bladder to achieve the acceptable pressure range so that aninterface pressure between the occupant and the pneumatic bladder isminimized;

FIG. 63 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing the MicroFitapplication beginning to start and showing that a plurality of pneumaticbladders coupled to the vehicle seat may be adjusted in (i) a momentarymode in which one or more pressure sensors included in the pneumaticsystem send air-pressure readings to the seat-movement system to causethe air pressures in the bladders to be adjusted to be in the acceptablepressure range once as shown in FIG. 61 or (ii) a continuous mode inwhich the pressure sensors continuously send air-pressure readings tothe seat-movement system and the system continuously maintains thepressure in the bladders in the acceptable pressure range as suggestedin FIG. 61 (in phantom);

FIG. 64 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing initial readingsof the various pneumatic bladders and showing that both seat-back wingbladders and a middle lumbar bladder have very high pressure that shouldbe reduced, that both seat-bottom wing bladders and a tower lumbarbladder have low pressure that should be increased, and that the upperlumbar bladder is in the acceptable pressure range;

FIG. 65 is a screen shot of the mobile terminal showing that the userhas selected the continuous mode and that the seat-movement controllerwill cause the pneumatic system to continuously sense and adjust thepressure in the pneumatic bladders to maintain the pressure in theacceptable range as suggested in phantom in FIG. 61;

FIG. 66 is another screen shot of the mobile terminal showing that theseat-movement system may be reset to its initial configuration when auser presses and holds a master-reset button and that pressure in eachof the pneumatic bladders may be adjusted manually by the user;

FIG. 67 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of an illustrativeoccupant-support system showing that the occupant-support systemincludes the configuration control system, the adjustable vehicle seatin communication with the configuration control system, and a pneumaticsystem that includes two pneumatic bladders that are coupled to twoseparate pressure sensors that are configured to sense air pressure ineach pneumatic bladder in parallel;

FIGS. 68-76 are a series of views showing various embodiments andconfigurations of an occupant-support system including the configurationcontrol system of FIGS. 1-22, an adjustable vehicle seat, a pneumaticsystem, and a prediction system that predicts a future position andspeed of the vehicle and provides the future position and speed of thevehicle to the vehicle seat to cause the configuration control systemand vehicle seat to calculate a predicted optimum-fit of theoccupant-support system to support the occupant in the vehicleappropriately as the vehicle seat passes through the future position,wherein

FIG. 68 is a diagrammatic view of an illustrative occupant-supportstaging process performed on the occupant-support system showing thatthe occupant-support predicted fitting process includes acquiring data,calculating a body arrangement, calculating a seat solution, adjustingthe vehicle seat, adjusting the pneumatic system, and staging theoccupant-support system to achieve a predicted optimum-fit arrangementof the occupant-support system;

FIG. 69 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of anoccupant-support system in accordance with the present disclosureshowing that the occupant-support system includes the configurationcontrol system, an adjustable vehicle seat in communication with theconfiguration control system, the pneumatic system, and a predictionsystem that includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and mappingunit that cooperate to predict the future position and speed of thevehicle as suggested in FIG. 70;

FIG. 70 is a diagrammatic view of the staging the occupant-supportsystem portion of the occupant-support predicted fitting process showingthat staging the occupant-support system portion is determining anactual position of the vehicle, determining an actual speed of thevehicle, calculating a predicted future position of the vehicle,calculating a predicted future speed of the vehicle, calculating apredicted seat solution of the vehicle seat, adjusting the vehicle seatto achieve the predicted seat solution, adjusting the pneumatic systemto establish a predicted optimum-fit arrangement of the occupant-supportsystem;

FIG. 71 is a screen shot of a mobile terminal showing an initialarrangement of the vehicle seat and the pneumatic system that isassociated with normal-driving conditions and showing, that the vehicleseat and pneumatic system have not been adjusted because the vehicle ismoving along a straight section of road;

FIG. 72 is a view similar to FIG. 71 showing that the vehicle is aboutto enter a wavy portion and that the prediction system has provided apredicted future position and speed to the seat-movement system includedin the vehicle seat that causes the vehicle seat to move its trackposition from 100 mm to 95 mm, a seat bottom included in the vehicleseat to decrease cushion tilt from −3.0 degrees to −1.0 degrees, and aseat back included in the vehicle seat to decrease the recline anglefrom 29 degrees to 27 degrees and simultaneously increasing lateralsupport from 20% to 40%;

FIG. 73 is a view similar to FIG. 72 showing that the vehicle has exitedthe wavy portion and is about to enter a large right-hand curve and thatthe prediction system has provided another predicted future position andspeed to the seat-movement system causing the vehicle seat to move itstrack position from 95 mm to 90 mm, the seat bottom to increase cushiontilt from −1.0 degrees to +1.0 degrees, and the seat back to increasethe recline angle from 27 degrees to 29 degrees and simultaneouslyincreasing lateral support from 40% to 45%;

FIG. 74 is a view similar to FIG. 73 showing that the vehicle has exitedthe right-hand curve and is about to enter a left-hand turn and that theprediction system has provided another predicted future position andspeed to the seat-movement system causing the vehicle seat to maintainthe track position at 90 mm, the seat bottom to increase cushion tiltfrom +1.0 degrees to +3.0 degrees, and the seat back to maintain therecline angle at 29 degrees and simultaneously increasing lateralsupport from 45% to 100%; and

FIG. 75 is a view similar to FIG. 74 showing that the vehicle has exitedthe left-hand curve and is about to enter a second straight portion andthat the prediction system has provided another predicted futureposition and speed to the seat-movement system causing the vehicle seatto move its track position from 90 mm to 100 mm, the seat bottom todecrease cushion tilt from +3.0 degrees to −3.0 degrees, and the seatback to decrease the recline angle from 29 degrees to 25 degrees andsimultaneously decreasing lateral support from 100% to 20%.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A configuration control system 10 is shown in FIG. 2 and may beconfigured to perform an occupant-body fitting process 100 that is shownin FIG. 1. Configuration control system 10 may perform occupant-bodyfitting process 100 to determine a best-fit body arrangement for anoccupant that maximizes occupant comfort and safety.

A first embodiment of an occupant-support system 200 is shown in FIG. 24and may be configured to perform a vehicle-seat fitting process 300 thatis shown in FIG. 23. Occupant-support system 200 may vehicle-seatfitting process 300 to generate a best-fit seating solution so that avehicle seat 202 included occupant-support system 200 may be arranged tocause an occupant sitting on vehicle seat 202 to be in the best-fit bodyarrangement.

A second embodiment of an occupant-support system 400 is shown in FIG.54. Occupant-support system 400 may include front and rear vehicle seats402, 404 and a sensor package 406 that cooperate together withconfiguration control system 10 to determine a best-fit seating solutionfor both vehicle seats 402, 404.

A third embodiment of an occupant-support system 600 is shown in FIG. 60and may be configured to perform an occupant-support system fittingprocess 700 that is shown in FIG. 59. Occupant-support system 600 mayfurther include a pneumatic system 606 that cooperates with a vehicleseat 604 and configuration control system 602 to performoccupant-support system fitting process 700 to cause vehicle seat 604and pneumatic system 606 to be arranged in an optimum-fit arrangementthat further maximizes comfort and safety of the occupant sitting onvehicle seat 604. Pneumatic system 606 may be configured to control airpressure in multiple air bladders in series.

A fourth embodiment of an occupant-support system 800 is shown in FIG.67 in which occupant-support system 800 may include a differentembodiment of a pneumatic system 806. Pneumatic system 806 may beconfigured to control air pressure in multiple air bladders in parallel.

A fifth embodiment of an occupant-support system 1000 is shown in FIG.69 and may be configured to perform an occupant-support system predictedfitting process 900 as shown in FIG. 68. Occupant-support system 1000may further include a prediction system 1002 that uses sensorinformation to determine a predicted future position of the vehicle tocause a predicted optimum-fit arrangement of vehicle seat 604 andpneumatic system 606 to be established before the vehicle arrives at thepredicted future position.

Returning to FIG. 2, a configuration control system 10 may obtainanthropometric data about an occupant and calculates a best-fitarrangement of the occupant's body that maximizes comfort and safety forthe occupant as suggested in that Fig. Configuration control system 10may be configured to perform an occupant-body fitting process 100 asshown in FIG. 1. An occupant-support system 200 may includeconfiguration control system 10 and a vehicle seat 202. Occupant-supportsystem 200 may be configured to perform a vehicle-seat fitting process300 that may adjust and move vehicle seat 202 to a best-fit arrangementthat causes the occupant's body to assume the best-fit body arrangement.

In accordance with the first embodiment, the equipment and processes forgenerating a best-fit seating solution may provide several advantages.First, a best-fit body arrangement may be determined for each occupantaccording to the occupant's anthropometric data, thus giving a best-fitarrangement for the occupant. Second, the data input to the bodydimension calculation algorithm may be obtained using available mobileterminals and software or by manually measuring the relevant dimensionson the occupant, thus giving increased flexibility. Third, the userinterface for inputting occupant metrics and/or occupant measurementsmay be provided in a mobile terminal included in the vehicle or separatefrom the vehicle, thus giving users increased flexibility. Fourth, bodydimensions may be calculated using a minimized set of occupant data andsensor data, maximizing simplicity and usability of the process. Fifth,the determination of the best-fit body arrangement may be altered bychanging the predetermined criteria to achieve optimum comfort, safety,and therapeutic benefit without requiring any other adjustments tohardware or software used to calculate the best-fit seating solution.

A configuration control system 10 may perform an occupant-body fittingoperation 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Configuration control system 10 mayinclude a user interface 12 included in a terminal 16, a computer 14,and a communication unit 18 as shown in FIG. 2. User interface 12 mayobtain occupant data that is associated with the occupant. Occupant datamay include the occupant's weight, gender, and anthropometricmeasurements taken from the occupant's body. Occupant data may then becommunicated to computer 14 by communication unit 18. Computer 14 may beconfigured to provide means for receiving occupant data, calculatinginternal body dimensions of the occupant using the occupant data, andcalculating a best-fit body arrangement of the occupant using theinternal body dimensions along with other predetermined criteria.Occupant comfort and safety may be maximized when the occupant's body isarranged in the best-fit body arrangement.

Occupant-body fitting operation 100, which may be performed byconfiguration control system 10, may include the operations of acquiringdata 102 and calculating a body arrangement 104 as shown in FIG. 3.Acquiring data 102 may be accomplished illustratively by initiating dataacquisition 106, accessing user interface 108, inputting anthropometricdata 110 associated with the occupant, optionally receiving sensor data112, and storing occupant data 114 for use in calculating bodyarrangement 104 as shown in FIG. 4.

Calculating a body arrangement 104 may be accomplished by sending data116 and data analysis 118 as shown in FIG. 5. Sending data 116 in theillustrative embodiment may include the operations of encrypting data119, sending encrypted data 120, authenticating data 122, and decryptingdata 124. As an example, encrypting data 119 and sending encrypted data120 may be performed on a terminal 16 (mobile or incorporated into avehicle as explained herein) including user interface 12. Authenticatingdata 122 and decrypting data 124 may be performed on computer 14 whichis in communication with terminal 16.

Data analysis 118 may include, for example, calculating body ratios 126,calculating external-body dimensions 128, calculating internal-bodydimensions 130, calculating best-fit comfort zones 132, selecting abest-fit posture 134, and calculating best-fit body arrangement 136 asshown in FIG. 5. Calculating body ratios 126 may be performed oncomputer 14 and may use, for example, the occupant data. Calculatingexternal-body dimensions 128 may be performed on computer 14 and may usebody ratios obtain during calculating body ratios 126. Calculatinginternal-body dimensions 130 may be performed on computer 14 and may useexternal-body dimensions and the occupant data. Calculating best-fitcomfort zones 132 may be performed on computer 14 and may useinternal-body dimensions to calculate several body arrangements forvarious occupant postures. Selecting best-fit posture 134 may beperformed on computer 14 and may use best-fit comfort zones, occupantdata, and other predetermined criteria. Calculating best-fit bodyarrangement 136 may be performed on computer 14 and may use selectedbest-fit posture and other predetermined criteria to determine abest-fit body arrangement for the occupant.

Configuration control system 10 may include various components foracquiring, analyzing, and using occupant data for improved seatingstructure and environment configuration in accordance with the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, terminal 16 may be used to communicatewith, among other components, computer 14 by way of communication unit18. Communication unit 18 may be one or more public and/or privatecommunication networks that may include any type of communicationsnetwork including but not limited to a second Generation (2G) network, a2.5 Generation network, a third Generation (3G) network using GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division MultiplexAccess (WCDMA), Code Division Multiplex Access (CDMA), or Time DivisionMultiplex Access (TDMA), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), UniversalMobile Telephone System (UMTS). Further, the one or more communicationnetworks may also include local area networks, such as Wireless LocalArea Networks (WLAN), BLUETOOTH® (BT) and optionally use one or moreother technologies, such as WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access).

Communication unit may also include any other type of network ofinterconnected devices or device networks, e.g., interconnectedcomputers or computer networks. Communication unit 18 may also be acombination of a plurality of different types of networks forming one ormore hybrid networks.

Terminal 16 may include user interface 12. As shown for example interminal 16 may be a mobile terminal 16. Mobile terminal 16 maycommunicate vim communication unit 18 using a communication link 20.Access to computer 14 may be also provided by communication unit 18using another communication link 22. Communication links 20, 22 need notbe dedicated connections and may be conventionally understood transitorycommunication links that provide wireless transmission and reception ofdata for a communication session during the length of that session.Thus, in illustrative embodiments, one or more software applicationswhich may be running on the mobile terminal 16 and other information tocomputer 14. As an example, computer 14 may be at least one remotecomputer or server that may be spaced apart from mobile terminal 16.Computer 14 may be configured to process data received via communicationunit 18 from the mobile terminal 16 to provide various types offunctionality. For example, as suggested in FIG. 28, computer 14 may berunning a seat analytic, optimization and upgrade software suite 135that includes various different types of software algorithms forperforming analysis of received data and providing configuration data,upgrades and/or guidance to a user via the mobile terminal 16.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a mobile terminal 16 runningat least one software application configured to perform acquisition andanalysis of occupant data for determining a best-fit body arrangement ofthe occupant in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.6, mobile terminal 16 may display user interface 12 that may beconfigured to display a short cut 26 associated with a main menu ofservices and functionality provided in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Thus, user interface 12 may be further configured to receiveinput from a user such activating shortcut 26, e.g., by tapping on thegraphic associated with shortcut 26. As a result, activating shortcut 26may trigger display of a main menu associated with the services andfunctionality provided in accordance with the present disclosure.

For example, FIG. 7 provides an enlarged perspective view of mobileterminal 16 of FIG. 6 displaying, on user interface 12, a main menu offunctions for acquiring, analyzing, and using occupant data fordetermining a best-fit body arrangement. Thus, a user may select the“Create a Tailored Fit” application 28 that is configured to acquire andanalyze occupant data to provide a best-fit body arrangement for theoccupant. The best-fit body arrangement may be used to adjust a vehicleseat in a vehicle so that the best-fit body arrangement is achieved orto adjust a position of other equipment in a seating environment.

A user may also select the “Choose a Targeted Therapy” application 30 toobtain guidance and expert advice regarding a particular physicalcondition or ailment that may be improved by positioning orrepositioning of an occupant's vehicle seat or components of thatvehicle seat. Further, the user may select a “Shop for New Features”application 32, which may be configured to provide the option ofpurchasing one or more additional software implemented treatmentapplications or customized seating configurations associated with anoccupant's physical condition(s) or interests.

As shown in FIG. 8, the mobile terminal illustrated in FIG. 6 mayinclude various hardware and software components configured to cooperateto support and implement the menu of functions for acquiring, analyzing,and using occupant data. Thus, mobile terminal 16 may include userinterface 12 that is configured to provide the ability to input data andreview outputted data from terminal 16. Thus, user interface 12 mayinclude a display screen such as a touch screen for review andmanipulation of data by the user. Mobile terminal 16 may also includeinput/output capabilities by including a speaker/microphone controlmodule 34 configured to enable input and output of audio data incommunication with mobile terminal 16. Mobile terminal 16 may alsoinclude one or more processors 36 configured to perform softwareinstructions included in one or more software applications included inone or more memory units 38. These software instructions may beapplication specific or may be associated with functionality of themobile terminal 16 embodied, for example, as a mobile telephone,wireless Internet browser, etc.

Mobile terminal may also include a suite of sensors 40 used to obtainoccupant data. Such sensors 40 may include a digital camera configuredand operational to acquire image data under the direction of the user,one or more accelerometers configured to sense and quantify dataregarding the acceleration experienced by the sensor when manipulated bythe occupant (such accelerometers are conventionally included in mobileterminals that provide the ability to participate in video gamesprovided by software applications running on an occupant's mobileterminal 16). Further, mobile terminal 16 may include a power module 42,configured to govern the power requirements of mobile terminal 16 andprovide power to the various components of mobile terminal 16, asconventionally understood.

Mobile terminal 16 may be implemented as a Smartphone, feature richmobile phone, tap top, PDA, multimedia computer, etc. Accordingly,mobile terminal 16 may include a processor connected to a userinterface, computer readable memory and/or other data storage and adisplay and/or other output device. The mobile device may also include abattery, speaker and at least one antenna. The user interface mayfurther include a keypad, a touch screen, a voice interface, one or morearrow keys, a joy-stick, a data glove, a mouse, a roller ball, a touchscreen, or the like.

Accordingly, computer executable instructions and data used by aprocessor 36 and other components in mobile terminal 16 may be stored inthe computer readable memory(ies) 38 included in mobile terminal 16.Further, memory 38 may be implemented with any combination of read onlymemory modules or random access memory modules, optionally includingboth volatile and nonvolatile memory. Thus, software may be stored inthe memory and/or storage to provide instructions to the mobile device'sprocessor for enabling the mobile device to perform various functions.Alternatively, some or all of the mobile device computer executableinstructions may be embodied in hardware or firmware (not illustrated).

FIGS. 9-20 provide a series of screen shots illustrating user interface12 functionality provided by at least one software application to obtainoccupant data that may be used to determine the best-fit bodyarrangement for the occupant. Thus, a user may select the “Create aTailored Fit” application icon 28 from the main menu illustrated in FIG.7, thereby causing a welcome screen to be generated and output on theuser interface 12, as illustrated in FIG. 9, providing directions 44 forbeginning occupant-body fitting operation 100 as shown in FIG. 1.Subsequently, the user may be prompted by a series of input screens toinput various pieces of information in various fields including anoccupant's gender 46, an occupant's height 48, an occupant's weight 50,etc. That information may be entered, for example, using check boxesand/or using a keyboard of the terminal as shown in FIG. 10.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-18, the user may be prompted bya series of screens to use the mobile terminal's digital camera toobtain images of the occupant so that occupant-body fitting operation100 will have occupant data indicating the relative proportions of theoccupant's body. Note, the occupant may be using the assistance ofanother person to take these photographs of the occupant. It should beappreciated that the user may be provided with preliminary instructionsthat may instruct the user on where to position the modeled occupantwhen the photographing user is taking photographic images. This may ormay not be necessary depending on whether the software is configured tomake a determination of distance between the occupant to be modeled andthe photographing user and whether the software compensates for suchinformation.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the user may review instructions 52 forpositioning the occupant's body to be photographed. As shown in FIG. 9,user interface 12 may be configured to prompt the user to locate theoccupant's image 54 in a positioning outline 56 as close as possiblebased on instructions 58 generated by the software application runningon mobile terminal 16. User interface 12 may be further configured toreceive inputs from the user that locates occupant's image 54 inpositioning outline 56. Once in that position, the user may be promptedto take the photographic image, which will trigger the storage of theimage data in conjunction with the mobile terminal application.

Next, the user may be prompted by instructions 58, 60 to obtain variousmeasurements on the occupant's body by adjusting the distance shownbetween the blades of a virtual caliper 62 displayed over the image 54.The user may be able to adjust the caliper blade locations by usingtheir finger to drag the caliper blades to the correct location. Userinterface 12 is configured to receive inputs from the user associatedwith adjusting virtual calipers 62. As result, the user may be promptedby user interface 12 to click on an OK icon when the user has positionedthe calipers 62 to span a distance specified in the instructions 58,e.g., head to seat dimension, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13illustrates a beginning location of the caliper blades and FIG. 14illustrates the final location of the caliper blades for thatmeasurement. Likewise, the user may be prompted to click on an OK iconwhen the user has positioned the calipers 62 to span a distancespecified in the instructions 58 for the back to knee dimension, asshown in FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 illustrates a beginning location ofthe caliper blades. FIG. 16 illustrates the final location of thecaliper blades for that measurement. Also, the user is prompted to clickon an OK icon when the user has positioned the calipers 62 to span adistance specified in the instructions 58, e.g., knee to heal dimension,as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 illustrates a beginning location ofthe caliper blades. FIG. 18 illustrates the final location of thecaliper blades for that measurement.

Subsequently, the user may be prompted by instructions 64 to performvarious movements while holding the mobile terminal 16 as suggested inFIG. 19. This phase of the data acquisition subroutine may enable one ormore accelerometers included in the mobile terminal 16 to obtaininformation regarding the arm length of the user based on theacceleration experienced by the accelerometer(s).

Once the data acquisition subroutine has obtained all the necessary dataused for generating a data representation of the occupant, the user maybe prompted by instructions 66 to input identifying information, e.g., aname, for the data representation as shown in FIG. 20. As an example,user interface 12 may include a keyboard 68 provided by mobile terminal16.

As another example, a user may input occupant data manually by togginginto a user interface 12 with a user name 70 and a password 72 as shownin FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, the user may then enter the occupant'sgender 46 as well as anthropometric data 565 measured manually by theuser as shown in FIG. 22. Thus, occupant data may be obtained by mobileterminal 16 without the use of sensors for measuring anthropometric dataassociated with the occupant.

As explained above, the software required to model the occupant via adata representation and associated occupant-body fitting may beperformed using the software application running on mobile terminal 16alone, or as illustrated in FIG. 1, in combination with aserver-implementation using occupant-body fitting operation 100 (whichmay or may not be implemented as server software depending on the“fatness” of the mobile terminal application deemed acceptable). Themobile terminal application may rely on increasingly large amounts ofsoftware residing on a server, it the mobile terminal application ismeant to be “thin,” i.e., requiring less memory on the mobile terminalfor operation.

An occupant-support system 200 includes a configuration control system210 and an adjustable vehicle seat 202 as shown in FIG. 24. Theoccupant-support system 200 is configured to implement a vehicle-seatfitting process 300 that provides a best-fit arrangement of vehicle seat202 as suggested in FIG. 23.

Vehicle-seat fitting process 300 includes the operations of acquiringdata 302, calculating body arrangement 304, calculating seat solution338, and adjusting vehicle seat 340 as shown in FIG. 23. Acquiring data302 is accomplished by obtaining the occupant's anthropometric data andthe vehicle's equipment data. The occupant data is then used incalculating body arrangement 304 and vehicle-equipment data is used incalculating seat solution 338 to determine how the vehicle's equipmentshould be positioned to achieve the best-fit arrangement describedpreviously. Adjusting vehicle seat 340 uses the instructions generatedin calculating seat solution 338 to adjust the position of the vehicleseat 202. Adjusting vehicle seat 340 may also be used to adjust theposition of a steering wheel, mirrors, heads-up display, and controlpedals to further improve the fit to the occupant.

Acquiring data 302 may include the operations of acquiring occupant data342 and acquiring vehicle data 344 as shown in FIG. 25. As shown there,acquiring occupant data 342 illustratively includes initiating dataacquisition 306, accessing user interface 308, inputting anthropometricdata 310, optionally receiving sensor data 312, and storing occupantdata 314. Acquiring vehicle data 344 illustratively includes obtainingvehicle-seat data 346, obtaining other vehicle-equipment data 348, andstoring vehicle data 350 as shown in FIG. 25.

Initiating data acquisition 306 may be performed illustratively onmobile terminal 16 as discussed previously. Accessing user interface 308may be performed by the user accessing user interface 12 included inmobile terminal 16 to input occupant data during the operation ofinputting anthropometric data 310. Inputting anthropometric data 310 mayinclude inputting data which includes occupant's weight (W), occupant'sheight (H), and occupant's gender (G). Other body measurements may beinput as well. Receiving sensor data 312 may include receiving data fromsensors included in one of mobile terminal 16, vehicle seat 202, or avehicle interior. Sensor data may include a measurement representativeof a distance (A) between an occupant's head and an occupant's seat, adistance (B) between an occupant's back and an occupant's knee, and adistance (c) between an occupant's knee and an occupant's heel. Storingoccupant data 314 may include storing the occupant data on mobileterminal 16, in memory included in the vehicle, or remotely on computer14, which is also called server 14.

Obtaining vehicle-seat data 346 may be performed illustratively bymobile terminal 16 communicating with vehicle seat 202 to determine aconfiguration and capability of vehicle seat 202. Vehicle-seatconfiguration and capability may be stored on memory included in vehicleseat 202 or on memory included in the vehicle. Vehicle-seatconfiguration and capability may also be stored on server 14 or anotherserver and retrieved through the use of a vehicle-seat identifier whichmay be associated with the vehicle-seat configuration and capability.

Obtaining other vehicle-equipment data 348 of vehicle-data acquisitionmay be performed illustratively by mobile terminal 16 communicating withthe vehicle to determine a make and model of the vehicle so thatinternal cabin geometry may be determined. As an example, a profile ofthe windshield and a distance between the windshield and the floor ofthe vehicle may be obtained and used later during calculating seatsolution 338. Vehicle cabin data may be stored in memory included in thevehicle seat, memory included in the vehicle, or on server 14 andretrieved using a vehicle identifier which may be associated with thevehicle. As an example, the vehicle identifier may be a VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) of the vehicle.

Obtaining vehicle-seat data 346 and other vehicle-equipment data 348 mayobtained from inputting manually a VIN 74 as shown in FIG. 29. The usermay also hold a card having a OR code 76 thereon in front of a sensorincluded in mobile terminal 16. The sensor may be a camera which scansthe OR code and determines automatically vehicle data as suggested inFIGS. 29 and 30. Once the VIN is known and input into mobile terminal16, an occupant profile 78 including known occupant data, a vehiclepicture 80, a vehicle-seat picture 82, and vehicle data 84 may bedisplayed as shown FIG. 31.

After the occupant data and vehicle data have been obtained during dataacquisition 302, the data may then be used during calculating bodyarrangement 304 as shown in FIG. 26. Calculating body arrangement 304may include the operations of sending data 316 and data analysis 318.Sending data 316 by way of illustration may include vehicle and occupantdata encryption 319, sending encrypted data 320, data authentication322, and data decryption 324. Sending data 316 may be used in thesituation where data analysis 318 is not performed on the same device asdata acquisition 302. As an example, data acquisition 302 may beperformed on mobile terminal 16 while portions of calculating bodyarrangement 304 may be performed by remote server 14. Calculating bodyarrangement 304 may be performed on the same device as data acquisition302 such that the operation of sending data 316 may not be performed.

Data analysis 318 may include the operations of calculating body ratios326, calculating external-body dimensions 328, calculating internal-bodydimensions 330, calculating best-fit comfort zones 332, selecting abest-fit posture 334, and calculating best-fit body arrangement 336 asshown in FIG. 26. During data analysis 318, the measurements and datataken during data acquisition 302 may be used to calculate a best-fitarrangement of the occupant's body which maximizes comfort and minimizessafety risks. The best-fit body arrangement may then be used duringcalculating seat solution 338 to generate seat-adjustment instructionswhich may be sent to various pieces of equipment for either manual orautomatic adjustment during adjusting of vehicle seat 340. Sendingadjustment instructions 356 may include encrypting adjustmentinstructions 358, sending encrypted instructions 360, and decryptingvehicle adjustment instructions 362.

During calculation of body ratios 326, distances (A, B, and C) obtainedduring data acquisition 302 may be used to calculate a set of ratios.The ratios and the occupant data (weight W, height H, and gender G)obtained during inputting anthropometric data 310 may be provided asinputs to calculating external-body dimensions 328. Calculatingexternal-body dimensions 328 may produce additional dimensions beyondthose measured during data acquisition 302.

External-body dimensions may then be used as inputs during calculatinginternal-body dimensions 330 to calculate a set of internal-bodydimensions. Calculating internal-body dimensions 330 may include a firstoperation, which is performed by estimating distances between anoccupant's flesh and the occupant's bones included in the occupant'sskeleton, and a second operation, which is performed by using theestimated flesh thicknesses to calculate a set of internal-bodydimensions that may be associated with an occupant's skeleton. As anexample, the first operation may calculate the thickness of fleshbetween an occupant's pelvis and an outer surface of the occupant's backand calculate the thickness of flesh between the occupant's knee jointand an outer surface of the occupant's knee. The second operation maythen subtract the two thicknesses previously calculated to determine aninternal body dimension associated with an occupant's femur.

At least one of the internal-body dimensions calculated duringcalculating internal-body dimensions 330 may then be used withpredetermined criteria, as inputs to calculating best-fit comfort zones332 for the occupant as shown in FIG. 26. Calculating best-fit comfortzones 332 may include a first operation and a second operation. Thefirst operation may be calculating all of the possible best-fit comfortzones that may be established for a particular occupant based on theoccupant data obtained during data acquisition 302. The second operationmay include eliminating best-fit comfort zones based on the availablepositions in which the vehicle seat, vehicle pedals, and steering wheelmay be arranged. As a result, a set of best-fit comfort zones may beestablished. Each best-fit comfort zone in the set may be associatedwith one of several seating postures that the occupant may assume whilesitting in the vehicle.

During selection of best-fit posture 334, one best-fit comfort zone maybe selected from the set of best-fit comfort zones established duringcalculation of best-fit comfort zones 332. As an example of selectingthe best-fit posture, the best-fit comfort zone associated with aslouching posture and the best-fit comfort zone associate with an erectposture may be determined. An intermediate best-fit comfort zoneassociated with a moderate amount of slouch between the slouchingposture and the erect posture may be chosen as the output of selectingbest-fit posture 334.

Finally, calculating a best-fit body arrangement 336 may use thebest-fit posture determined during selection of the best-fit posture 334to determine an arrangement of the occupant's body that maximizescomfort and minimizes risk to the occupant while sitting on vehicle seat202. The best-fit body arrangement may then be used during calculationof seat solution 338 as shown in FIG. 27.

Calculating seat solution 338 may include calculating best-fit seatingsolution 352, creating adjustment instructions 354, and sendingadjustment instructions 356 as shown in FIG. 27. Calculating best-fitseating solution 352 may use the best-fit body arrangement and vehicledata to determine an arrangement of vehicle seat 202 and other vehicleequipment which allows the occupant's body to be in the best-fit bodyarrangement. After the best-fit seating solution 352 has beendetermined, the best-fit seating solution may be used to createadjustment instructions 354. These instructions may be used to changethe position of the vehicle seat, steering wheel, and vehicle pedals,among other equipment in the vehicle, to achieve the best-fit bodyarrangement determined earlier. After the adjustment instructions havebeen generated, the adjustment instructions may be communicated tovehicle seat 202 during sending adjustment instructions 356.

Sending adjustment instructions 356 may include encrypting adjustmentinstructions 358, sending encrypted instructions 360, and decryptingadjustment instructions 362 as shown in FIG. 27. As an illustrativeexample, data analysis 318 may be performed on remote server 14. As aresult, adjustment instructions may be sent during sending adjustmentinstructions 356 to mobile terminal 16. Remote server 14 may encryptadjustment instructions 358 and send encrypted instructions 360. Mobileterminal 16 may be used to receive the encrypted adjustment instructionsand communicate those adjustment instructions to vehicle seat 202. Acontrol unit included in vehicle seat 202 may then decrypt theadjustment instructions.

In another embodiment of calculating body arrangement 304 andcalculating seat solution 338, data analysis 318 may be performed onmobile terminal 16 without any communication with remote server 14.Mobile terminal 16 may perform data analysis 318, calculating best-fitseating solution 352, creating adjustment instructions 354, encryptingadjustment instructions 358, and sending encrypted instructions 360 tothe control system of the vehicle seat or the vehicle.

Decrypted adjustment instructions may then be used by the control unitof the vehicle seat during adjusting vehicle seat 340 as shown in FIG.27. Adjusting vehicle seat 340 may include adjusting a position of aseat bottom 364 included in the vehicle seat, adjusting a position of aseat back 366 included in the vehicle seat, and adjusting positions ofother vehicle options 368. As an example, other vehicle options could beother adjustments of the vehicle seat such as a movable headrest,adjustment of a steering wheel, and adjustment of vehicle pedals. Thevehicle seat, steering wheel, and vehicle pedals may move automaticallyif powered. However, the vehicle seat, steering wheel, and vehiclepedals may be moved manually should the vehicle not be equipped withpowered equipment. In that circumstance, decryption of the adjustmentinstructions may be performed by mobile terminal 16.

Various embodiments may be implemented with a vehicle seat that includesvarious types of functionality including powered adjustable seatbackangle, height adjust, cushion tilt, fore/aft slide, upper back angle,cushion length adjust, powered headrest etc. Additionally, such a seatmay include a pneumatic system that includes, for example, upper sidebolsters, cushion bolsters, 4-way lumbar adjust, a 10 point programmedmassage system, etc. Further, such a seat may include various types ofclimate control functionality including seat heating, active cooling,ventilation, and/or a full seat memory system. Navigating all of theseoptions is sometime overwhelming to a user; further, the user may notunderstand fully how the various setting interact with one another orwhich setting are objectively more beneficial for an occupant's bodysize, dimensions, and physical conditions.

As suggested in FIGS. 11-19, sensors included in mobile terminal 16 maybe used to determine occupant data that can be used to model theoccupant's body and proportions. Such sensors may include the cameraprovided in the mobile terminal, one or more accelerometers. Thus, oneor more sensors included in mobile terminal 16 may work in conjunctionwith one or more software application running on mobile terminal 16 toobtain anthropometric data associated with occupant. In accordance withat least one embodiment, at least one sensor may be used in conjunctionwith a software application running on mobile terminal 16 and,optionally, sensors and/or transponders in the occupant's seating areato also provide anthropometric data associated with the occupant's bodyin relative relationship to the interior of a vehicle including theseating area.

Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, a Graphical UserInterface (GUI) and associated software application(s) may run on mobileterminal 16 and be configured to determine human body size andproportion data using the mobile terminal's camera and analyzing bodysegment lengths, height, weight, clothes size, etc. Software algorithmsfor performing analysis of the occupant's body size and proportion datamay be running on the user's mobile terminal and/or in a server(s)accessible via the Internet that may receive raw or preliminarilyanalyzed data from the mobile terminal. That server(s) may run softwareconfigured to provide analytical functionality that may provide anoptimized or customized fit for the occupant in the occupant's vehicleseat. Utility of the software for analyzing an occupant's size andproportional dimensions may also be used to improve or customize fit ofseats other than automotive seats and may be used to improve seating inaircraft, watercraft, or motorcycles as well. Moreover, there isadditional utility in using the software to optimize or customize a seatthat is home or office furniture; additionally, such software may beused to improve fit of wheelchairs and other mobility assistancedevices.

GUI and applications may be implemented on a PDA and/or viaserver-application context as shown in FIG. 28. Alternatively, or inaddition, some or all of such applications may be implemented on or inconnection with software and/or hardware provided on a vehicle. Thus,one or more software applications analyzing the determined human bodysize and proportion data may be used to select optimized seat adjustmentparameters for comfort, fit, safety, etc. In an implementation where thecollected data is acquired in relationship with the occupant'sinteraction with their vehicle, this software may optionally beconfigured to detect position(s) of view mirrors, operation peddles,steering wheel, heads up display, etc. to optimize occupant'sexperience.

As shown in FIG. 28, equipment and processes for adjustinguser-adjustable equipment in a vehicle provides improved utility. First,the process for adjusting user-adjustable equipment providesinstructions to the user that allows the user to customize the vehicleseat and other user-adjustable equipment so that safety and comfort ismaximized. Second, the specific algorithms used to obtain the best-fitseating solution may be managed and updated on servers. Third, centrallylocating the generation of the best-fit seating solution provides theability to control dissemination of the algorithms used to generate thebest-fit seating solution. Fourth, by generating theequipment-adjustment instructions and communicating them automaticallyto powered actuators included in the user-adjustable equipment, vehiclesbuilt to include best-fit seating solution technology may automaticallyrespond to the instructions. Fifth, by generating theequipment-adjustment instructions and communicating them to a user inthe field, all vehicle seats may be adjusted according to the presentlydisclosed process. Sixth, the process of generating a best-fit seatingsolution and generating equipment-adjustment instructions is doneremotely from the equipment. As a result, equipment in other fields maybe adjusted such as other vehicle seating (airplanes, trains, boats,motorcycles), wheel chairs, and office furniture.

FIGS. 32-36 provide a series of screen shots illustrating user interfacefunctionality provided by at least one software application and used todeliver best-fit seating solution to vehicle seat 202. As shown in FIG.32, the mobile terminal 16 may provide the user with the option 204 ofadjusting their vehicle seat 202 to provide the best-fit arrangement. Ifthe user selects that option, mobile terminal 16 may provide a series ofstatus messages 206 providing an indication of adjusting vehicle seat340 as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Another indication of adjusting vehicleseat 340 is also shown FIGS. 35 and 36.

Vehicle seat 202 may include powered and/or manual adjustmentmechanisms. FIGS. 37 and 38 provide perspective illustrations ofexamples of on-seating unit control panels 208 provided in accordancewith the present disclosure. On-seating unit control panels 208 mayinclude a control panel 208 that includes adjustment controls 212 foradjusting the horizontal component of the vehicle seat, controls 214 foradjusting the vertical component of the vehicle seat, variousmassage/heating/cooling functionality controls 216, controls 218 foradjusting the headrest of the vehicle seat, in addition to an indicator220 of whether the vehicle seat is presently receiving or transmittingdata and/or instructions via communication unit 18 to mobile terminal 16or another component via a communication protocol such as a BLUETOOTH®system. Further, the control panel 208 also includes an indicator 222,which is configured to signify whether the vehicle seat is in thebest-fit arrangement as shown in FIG. 38.

Optionally, the seat connectivity interface may also be configured toprovide communication and control interfaces that enable a user or theuser's mobile terminal to interface with the occupant's vehicle seat orseating area to both acquire data (e.g., data from other products/zonesthan the vehicle seat including steering wheel, foot pedals, rear viewmirrors, etc.) to control structural or environment configuration of thevehicle seat or seating area.

As explained above, services and functionality provided in accordancewith the present disclosure may provide the user with the option ofreceiving expert guidance from one or more guidance sources regardinghow the occupant's vehicle seat should be configured for one or morephysical ailments or conditions or to provide a specified goal of theuser.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 39, the user interface functionalityprovided by at least one software application may include selection ofone or more items provided on a menu for enabling a user to select fromone or more physical ailments or treatment conditions for which he isseeking assistance in accordance with the present disclosure. Suchphysical ailments or treatment conditions may include, for example,lower back pain 224, numbness in seat 226, leg discomfort 228, stiffnessof back 230, headrest positioning 232 for increased safety or a stiffneck, thermal discomfort 234, etc.

Once a user has selected from one of the displayed options, the mobileapplication may be configured to display expert guidance 236 pertainingto the selected condition in combination with educational informationsuch as videos and/or audio programs 238 regarding treatment of thespecified condition and/or positioning of the occupant's vehicle seat toobtain relief from certain symptoms or undesirable experiences. FIG. 40provides a screen shot illustrating the user interface functionalityprovided by at least one software application for disseminatingtreatment information and/or recommendations for positioning of avehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure.

As explained above with connection to the seat-fit optimization andtransform software 140 illustrated in FIG. 28, the dissemination ofinteractive multimedia expert guidance may be performed in whole or inpart by the mobile application(s) running on the mobile terminal 16.However, it is also foreseeable in accordance with the presentdisclosure, that some portion of the functionality, e.g., storage,analysis, etc. may be performed using software running on a servers 14accessible via one or more communication units 18 (also called networks18) from the mobile terminal 16, e.g., interactive multimedia expertguidance module software 145.

As explained above, services and functionality provided in accordancewith the present disclosure provide the occupant with the option ofupgrading one or more features of the occupant's vehicle seat to provideincreased comfort, physical therapies, optimized seating configurationsfor particular occupant activities or interests, etc. For example, theoccupant may be provided with the opportunity to upgrade their vehicleseat features in conjunction with the dissemination of queried expertadvice, e.g., “You should consider a lower back therapy treatment,downloadable for $2.99 to your mobile terminal as a source of relievefor your lower back pain.”

FIGS. 41-47 provide screen shots illustrating the user interfacefunctionality provided by at least one software application for enablinga user to select from one or more upgrade options for upgradingfunctionality provided by the occupant's vehicle seat via wireless OverThe Air (OTA) configuration in accordance with the present disclosure.

The menu of upgrade options may not be limited to therapeutic treatmentsas shown in FIG. 41, but may also include positioning applicationoptions 242 for optimizing certain aspects of the occupant's experienceincluding driver performance, cruising comfort safety maximization, easeof entry, increased driver visual acuity, and motion comfortimprovement, etc. The upgrade application and delivery software runningon the mobile terminal may also be configured to provide additionalinformation 244 explaining the performance, value or benefit resultingfrom the upgrade (see FIG. 43). Moreover, the software application forproviding various customization and/or upgrade options may, itself, bean upgradeable application.

Once the user has selected at least one upgrade from a menu of upgrades240, such upgrades may be downloaded to the occupant's mobile terminal16. As a result, such upgrades may be installed in the occupant'svehicle seat via communication unit 18. FIGS. 44 and 45 provide a seriesof screen shots illustrating the user interface functionality providedby at least one software application and used to deliver data and/orsoftware programming associated with the upgraded functionality to theuser's mobile terminal.

FIGS. 46 and 47 provide a series of screen shots illustrating the userinterface functionality provided by at least one software applicationand used to provide status update information 246 regarding the deliveryof the data and/or software programming associated with the upgradedfunctionality from an occupant's mobile terminal 16 to the occupant'svehicle seat.

Another series of screen shots illustrating the user interfacefunctionality provided by at least one software application are shown inFIGS. 48-53. The user interface functionality enables a user to selectfrom one or more upgrade options for upgrading functionality provided bythe occupant's vehicle seat via the communication unit. A user may bepresented with an option to select a Wellness Therapies button 568 or aPro Postures button 569 as shown in FIG. 48. As an example, the user hasselected Wellness Therapies button 568. The user is then able to selectone or more options to include in the occupant support system. As shownin FIG. 49, the user has selected a Shiatsu Massage application 570, aWorkout Relief application 571, and MicroFit application 574 amongvarious other Wellness Therapies.

The user may also select Pro Postures button 569. As an example, theuser may select a Performance Drive application 572 and the GPSFitapplication 576 as shown in FIG. 50. Once the user has selected thedesired options, the user presses an Install Selections button 573causing the selected options to be installed into the seat-movementsystem as suggested in FIG. 51 and verified in FIG. 52.

As explained above with connection to the seat-fit optimization andtransform software 140 illustrated in FIG. 28, the upgrade andapplication delivery functionality may be provided in whole or in partby the mobile application(s) running on the mobile terminal 16. However,it is also foreseeable within the scope of the present disclosure thatsome portion of the functionality, e.g., storage, analysis, etc. may beperformed using software running on a servers (e.g. server 14)accessible via communication unit 18 from the mobile terminal 16, e.g.,upgrade and application delivery engine software 155.

As explained above, services and functionality provided in accordancewith the present disclosure provide a vehicle seat that may include aplurality of sensors that monitor the health and well being of the user.The vehicle seat may transmit the monitored data to a server basedapplication either directly wirelessly or through a mobile terminalbased software application) that provides analysis of the data tomonitor the health and well being and/or provide further analysisregarding optimization and/or customization of one or more vehicle seatparameters.

Furthermore, the suite 135 may include biometric sensor suite software150 configured to receive biometric data for the user acquired bysensors included within vehicle seat 202. That biometric data may beanalyzed by the software suite to diagnose a physical condition orailment and/or provide recommendations for positioning or altering theposition of the occupant's vehicle seat to address or remedy thephysical condition or ailment. Additionally, the software 150 may alsobe configured to provide recommendations on one or more upgrades thatmay be made to the occupant's vehicle seat 202 via upgrade andapplication delivery engine software 155, also included in the suite 135(as explained herein in conjunction with FIGS. 25-31.

As explained above, services and functionality provided in accordancewith the present disclosure provide the user with the option ofoptimizing or customizing their vehicle seat based on analysis performedby the seat-fit optimization and transform tool software (that may beimplemented on server 14 and/or within an application running on themobile terminal 16 illustrated in FIG. 28.

As explained above, a communication unit may be configured to providecommunication and control interfaces that enable a user or the user'smobile terminal to interface with the occupant's vehicle seat or seatingarea to both acquire data (e.g., data from other products/zones than thevehicle seat including steering wheel, foot pedals, rear view mirrors,etc. to control structural or environment configuration of the vehicleseat or seating area. This aspect may provide information to softwareincluded in the system for providing customization of seat positioningto enable optimization of seat positioning through feedback, asexplained in FIG. 53.

FIG. 53 provides an illustrative diagram used to explain functionalitythat may be provided to a user via the system, methodologies andcomponents for acquiring, analyzing and utilizing user bodyspecifications to provide for improved seating structure and environmentconfiguration. By using the main menu 248 of the software applicationsprovided in the present disclosure as a mechanism to gather and analyzedata regarding occupants' experiences with vehicle seats and theirassociated physical conditions, the system can provide a mechanism forfurther analyzing occupant well being data as well as further improvingupon seating technology. As a result, the main menu, and its associatedback end software can be used to coordinate data acquisition for sensors250 included in vehicle seats to provide additional information aboutthe way that certain vehicle-seat settings and configurations affect thewell being of the occupant. That information can then be output to theoccupant's mobile terminal 16 to enable them to participate actively inthe treatment and/or track the progress or regression of their physicalconditions.

For example, if the vehicle seat were that of a long distance truckdriver, sensors within the vehicle seat could be used to provide statusinformation regarding the blood flow, temperature or other biometricdata indicating his well being throughout his work day. Such informationcould be used to give recommendations for driving breaks, advice foralteration of the driver's vehicle seat parameters, application of heator cold, etc. Furthermore, that data could also be used by one or moreexperts 252 to further optimize modeling and therapeutic treatments forindividuals. As a result, the centralize function of the system servicesand functionality further improve the manner in which data is acquired,analyzed, and used to improve well being for individuals using seats ofall kinds.

As shown for example in FIG. 54, another embodiment of anoccupant-support system 400 may include configuration control system 10,a front vehicle seat 402, a rear vehicle seat 404, and a sensor package406. Front and rear vehicle seats 402, 404 may be configured tocommunicate with communication unit 18 to achieve a best-fit arrangementof both the front and rear vehicle seat 402, 404. Sensor package 406 mayinclude a sensor integrated into the vehicle seat and configured tosense an occupant's anthropometric data and an occupant's comfort data,and a sensor integrated into a vehicle cabin and configured to receivean input from mobile terminal 16, an input received from user interface12, and an input received from computer 14.

As shown in FIG. 54, occupant-support system 400 may include frontintelligent vehicle seat 402 and rear intelligent vehicle seat 404.Front and rear intelligent vehicle seats 402, 404 may be coupled tocommunication unit 18 and configured to exchange data about the positionand state of each vehicle seat 402, 404 with one another. As a result,intelligent vehicle seats 402, 404 act as sources of data which may thenbe used to calculate a best-fit arrangement of both vehicle seats 402,404. The best-fit arrangement of vehicle seats 402, 404 may be thearrangement of intelligent vehicle seats 402, 404 relative to oneanother that maximizes comfort and safety of each occupant sitting inhis or her seat.

FIGS. 55-57 provide various illustrative diagrams describing variousconfigurations for providing certain communication functionalityprovided in conjunction with an occupant's vehicle seat. As shown inFIG. 55, terminal 16 may communicate wirelessly with an occupant'svehicle communication and navigation system 256 that is coupled to theoccupant's vehicle seat Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 258 via the CANcommunication bus 260 (resident within the occupant's vehicle) to obtainsensor data from seat ECU 258 and provide configuration instructions toseat ECU 258 to optimize positioning and download upgrades.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 56, mobile terminal 16 may communicatewith a BLUETOOTH® radio 262 coupled to the Seat ECU 258 via the CANcommunication bus 260. Further, as shown in FIG. 57, mobile terminal 16may communicate wirelessly with Bluetooth® radio 262, which may beincorporated in the seat ECU 258 that is sitting on the CANcommunication bus 260.

As shown in FIG. 58 another embodiment of a configuration control system510 may include a first computational device 516, a second computationaldevice 514, a third computational device 512, a fourth computationaldevice 520, and a network 518. First computational device 516 isillustratively a mobile terminal. Second computational device 514 may beillustratively a remote computer. Third computational device 512 may beillustratively a vehicle-seat electronic control unit. Fourthcomputational device 520 may be illustratively a personal computer.First, second, third, and fourth computational devices 512, 514, 516,518 may communicate with one another through network 518.

First computational device 516 may include a graphical user interface522, a sensor 524, a processor 526, a power module 528, a memory 530,and a communication unit 532 as shown in FIG. 58. Memory 530 could beimplemented as discussed above. Power module 528 may be coupled toprocessor 526 to provide power thereto and to other components includedin first computational device 516. Graphical user interface 522, sensor524, and communication unit 532 may be coupled to processor 526 toprovide data to processor 526 for processing according to instructionsstored in memory 530. Additionally, data may also be stored in memory530. Graphical user interface 522 and communication unit 532 may alsocoupled to processor 526 to communicate calculated results and/or datafrom processor 526 to a user or to other computational devices 514, 512,570.

Second computational device 514 may include a processor 536, a powermodule 538, a memory 540, and a communication unit 534 as shown in FIG.58. Memory 540 could be implemented as discussed above. Power module 538may be coupled to processor 536 to provide power thereto and to othercomponents included in second computational device 514. Communicationunit 534 may be coupled to processor 536 to provide data from othercomputational devices 516, 512, 520 to processor 536 for processingaccording to instructions stored in memory 540. Additionally, data mayalso be stored in memory 540. The results of data calculated arecommunicated through communication unit 534.

Third computational device 512 may include a processor 546, a powermodule 544, a memory 548, and a communication unit 542 as shown in FIG.58. Memory 548 could be implemented as discussed above. Power module 544may be coupled to processor 546 to provide power thereto and to othercomponents included in third computational device 512. Communicationunit 542 may be coupled to processor 546 to send data between othercomputational devices 516, 514, 520 and processor 546 for processingaccording to instructions stored in memory 548. Additionally, data mayalso be stored in memory 548 for use at a later time.

Fourth computational device 520 may include a processor 554, a powermodule 556, a memory 558, a graphical user interface 552, and acommunication unit 550 as shown in FIG. 58. Memory 558 could beimplemented as discussed above. Power module 556 may be coupled toprocessor 554 to provide power thereto and to other components includedin second computational device 520. Communication unit 550 may becoupled to processor 554 to send data between other computationaldevices 516, 514, 512 to processor 554 for processing according toinstructions stored in memory 558. Additionally, data may also be storedin memory 558. Data may also be displayed or input via graphical userinterface 552 for use by processor 554.

Configuration control system 510 may provide improved utility. First, acommunication network and an intelligent vehicle seat facilitatemultiple input and output methods for acquiring data about the occupantand modifying the arrangement of the vehicle seat. Second, each possiblesource of data and the intelligent vehicle seats may be configured asstand alone nodes on the communication network which facilitatessimplified troubleshooting and communication across the network.Furthermore, interference with other equipment is minimized. Third, theuser interface for inputting data and commands may be included in thevehicle, the mobile terminal, and the personal computer. As a result,convenience is maximized. Fourth, a communication network included inthe vehicle provides the ability for intelligent equipment (e.g., frontand rear vehicle seats), mobile terminals, and personal computers tocommunicate with one another and achieve an optimized arrangement of theentire vehicle cabin rather than just an optimized vehicle seatarrangement. Fifth, sensors included in the intelligent vehicle seats orvehicle cabin may provide feedback data to the remote server aboutchanges in the occupant's anthropometric data and the occupant's comfortso that the best-fit seating solution may continually be updated.

An occupant-support system 600 in accordance with the present disclosuremay include a configuration control system 602, a vehicle seat 604, anda pneumatic system 606 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 60.Occupant-support system 600 may be configured to perform anoccupant-support system fitting process 700 that provides an optimum-fitarrangement of occupant-support system 600.

Vehicle seat 604 may be mounted on a vehicle frame 610 included in avehicle to move relative to vehicle frame 610. Vehicle seat 604 mayinclude a seat bottom 626 coupled to vehicle frame 610 to slide back andforth relative to vehicle frame 610, a seat back 628 coupled to seatbottom 626 to pivot back and forth about a seat-back pivot axis 618relative to seat bottom 626, and a seat-movement system 620 as shown inFIG. 60. Configuration control system 602 may provide instructions toseat-movement system 620 that causes seat-movement system 620 to moveseat bottom 626 and seat back 628 to a best-fit arrangement associatedwith the occupant's anthropomorphic data.

Vehicle seat 604 may include additional functionality that includesheight adjustment of vehicle seat 604, tilt of seat bottom 626,adjustment of upper back angle of seat back 628, adjustment of seatbottom length, movement of the headrest, etc. These various adjustmentsmay be powered, manually operated, or a combination of powered andmanual features. Further, such vehicle seat may include various types ofclimate control functionality including seat heating, active seatcooling, ventilation, and/or a full seat memory system.

Configuration control system 602 may include mobile terminal 16, remotecomputer 14, and communication unit 18. Mobile terminal 16 may includeat least one software application that acquires the dimensions of anoccupant using sensors included in mobile terminal 16, manual input ofdata, or a combination of the two. Occupant data may be used to model abest-fit arrangement that may be transferred to seat-movement system 620via wired and/or wireless communication unit 18. As a result,seat-movement system 620 may move vehicle seat 604 to the best-fitarrangement associated with the occupant data collected previously.

Seat-movement system 620 may be able to move various portions of vehicleseat 504 because seat-movement system 620 illustratively includes a seatcontroller 640, a seat-back actuator 642, and a seat-bottom actuator 644as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 60. Seat controller 640 may be acomputer that may be in communication with seat-bottom actuator 644 andseat-back actuator 642. Seat-bottom actuator 644 may be an electricmotor that provides force necessary to move seat bottom 626 back andforth on seat tracks 646. Seat-back actuator 642 may be an electricmotor that provides force necessary to pivot seat back 628 back andforth relative to seat-back pivot axis 618.

Pneumatic system 606 may include a pressurized air source 632, at leastone pressure sensor 634, and at least one pneumatic bladder 611 as shownin FIGS. 60 and 63. As an illustrative example, pneumatic system 606 mayinclude an upper lumbar bladder 611, a middle lumbar bladder 612, atower lumbar bladder 613, a left seat-back wing bladder 614, a rightseat-back wing bladder 615, a left seat-bottom wing bladder 616, and aright seat-bottom wing bladder 617. Each pneumatic bladder 611, 612,613, 614, 615, 616, 617 may be coupled to pressurized air source 632 toreceive pressurized air therein to inflate or to exhaust air to deflateeach of the pneumatic bladders 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617.

Each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 may be furthercoupled to at least one pressure sensor 634 that may be configured tomeasure the air pressure in each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614,615, 616, 617 and communicate that pressure to seat-movement system 620.As a result, seat-movement system 620 may command pressurized air source632 to inflate or deflate each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614,615, 616, 617 to cause the air pressure in each pneumatic bladder 611,612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 to be in an acceptable pressure range assuggested in FIG. 65. As an example of use, pressure sensor 634 maysense a high pressure in middle lumbar bladder 612 and communicate thehigh pressure to seat-movement system 620 which in turn commandspressurized air source 632 to release air from middle lumbar bladder 612causing the air pressure sensed in middle lumbar bladder 612 to decreaseand be in the acceptable pressure range as suggested in FIG. 65.

As shown in FIG. 60, pneumatic system 606 may include pressurized airsource 632, a bladder system including a plurality of pneumatic bladders611, 612, 61N, a manifold 636 including separate valves associated witheach bladder 611, 612, 61N, a pressure sensor 634, and an air-tubingsystem 638. Air-tubing system 638 may be configured to interconnectmanifold 636 to associated air bladders 611, 612, 61N so that a commonline from pressurized air source 632 may be used to supply manifold 636with pressurized air. Air-tubing system 638 may be further configured tointerconnect pressure sensor 634 to the common line so that the pressurein each bladder 611, 612, 61N may be sensed using only one pressuresensor by opening one valve and closing the other remaining valves,thereby sensing the pressure in each bladder 611, 612, 61N one at atime.

As a result of only one pressure sensor being used, the control of theair pressure each bladder 611, 612, 61N may be handled in a serialmanner. As an example, the air pressure in first bladder 611 may besensed by pressure sensor 634. The pressure signal may then becommunicated to seat-movement system 620 and seat-movement system 620commands pressurized air source 632 to inflate, deflate, or maintainfirst pneumatic bladder 611 as required. Seat-movement system 620 maythen command a first valve included in manifold 636 and associated withfirst bladder 611 to close and a second valve associated with secondbladder 612 to open. The pressure in second bladder 612 may then sensedby pressure sensor 634. The pressure signal associated with secondbladder 612 may then communicated to seat-movement system 620 whereinseat-movement system 620 takes action to maintain second bladder 612 inthe acceptable range. As shown by the example, all additional bladdersmust be cycled in series before seat-movement system 620 is updated withthe air pressure in first bladder 611.

Occupant-support system fitting process 700 may include acquiring data702, calculating body arrangements 704, calculating seat solution 706,adjusting vehicle seat 708, and adjusting pneumatic system 710 as shownin FIG. 59. As discuss previously, acquiring data 702, calculating bodyarrangement 704, calculating seat solution 706, and adjusting vehicleseat 708 may operate to arrange vehicle seat 604 in a best-fitarrangement of vehicle seat 604 so that occupant's body is supported onvehicle seat 604 is positioned in a best-fit body arrangement. Adjustingpneumatic system 710 may fit vehicle seat 604 to the occupant usingpneumatic bladders 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 so that anoptimum-fit arrangement of occupant-support system 600 is established.

Adjusting pneumatic system 710 may include inflating air bladders 712,sensing air pressure in bladders 714, determining if pressure is out ofan acceptable range 716, maintaining air pressure in the bladders 718 ifthe air pressure is in the acceptable range, and correcting air pressurein the bladders 720 if the air pressure is out of the acceptable rangeas shown in FIG. 61. Once the air pressure in the bladders has beenmaintained or corrected, the air pressure in the bladders may be sensedagain as suggested in by phantom lines in FIG. 61.

As an example, a user accesses and uses occupant-support system fittingprocess 700 by accessing a MicroFit application 574 stored in memoryincluded in mobile terminal 16 as shown in FIG. 62. After MicroFitapplication 574 has been launched, Graphical User Interface (GUI) mayshow that a user may select either a momentary mode 674 or a continuousmode 675 of operation as shown in FIGS. 63 and 64. Momentary mode 674 ofoperation may cause adjusting of pneumatic system 710 to be executedonce by seat-movement system 620. Continuous mode 675 of operation maycause adjusting of pneumatic system 710 to be executed continuously atpredetermined intervals by scat-movement system 620.

In an example of momentary mode 674, during adjusting of pneumaticsystem 710, sensing air pressure in bladders 714 may determine aninitial pressure in each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,617. Air pressure in bladders 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 may bemaintained or adjusted as needed.

As an example, sensing air pressure in bladders 714 may display arelative pressure differential for each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613,614, 615, 616, 617 as shown in FIG. 64. A first output 611R associatedwith upper lumbar bladder 611 may show a pressure differential of +2which is in the acceptable pressure range. A second output 612Rassociated with middle lumbar bladder 612 may show a pressuredifferential of +10 which is above the acceptable pressure range. Athird output 613R associated with tower lumbar bladder 613 may show apressure differential of −5 which is below the acceptable pressurerange. A fourth output 614R associated with left seat-back wing bladder614 may slow a pressure differential of +9 which is above the acceptablepressure range. A fifth output 615R associated with right seat-back wingbladder 615 may show a pressure differential of +10 which is above theacceptable pressure range. A sixth output 616R associated with leftseat-bottom wing bladder 616 may show a pressure differential of −6which less than the acceptable pressure range. A seventh output 617Rassociated with the right seat-bottom wing bladder 617 may show apressure differential of −5 which is below the acceptable pressurerange.

These pressure signals may then be communicated to seat-movement system620 which in turn commands pressurized air source 632 to adjust thosepressure differentials outside of the acceptable pressure range to bewithin the acceptable pressure range. As an example, pressurized airsource 632 may tower the air pressure in middle lumbar bladder 612 andin seat-back wing bladders 614, 615 so that the pressure differentialreturns to the acceptable range as shown in FIG. 65. Pressurized airsource 632 may also increase the air pressure in lower lumbar bladder613 and seat-bottom wing bladders 616, 617 so that the pressuredifferential returns to the acceptable range. At the same time,pressurized air source 632 may maintain the air pressure in upper lumbarbladder 611 as it is already in the acceptable range.

In an example of the continuous mode, during adjusting of pneumaticsystem 710, sensing air pressure in bladders 714 may determine aninitial pressure in each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616,617. Air pressure in bladders 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 may bemaintained or adjusted as needed. Adjusting of pneumatic system 710 maythen keep performing adjusting of pneumatic system 710 at apredetermined interval so that all bladders remain in the acceptablepressure range.

MicroFit application 574 may also include a manual mode in which theuser can adjust the air pressure of each pneumatic bladder 611, 612,613, 614, 615, 616, 617 and override the pre-defined acceptable pressurerange as suggested in FIG. 66. As an example, the user may desire alower pressure in the upper lumbar bladder 611, a higher pressure in themiddle lumbar bladder 612, and the delimit acceptable pressure in thelower lumbar bladder 613. The user may adjust manually the air pressurein each pneumatic bladder 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617 by usingassociated controls 611M, 612M, 613M, 614M, 615M, 616M, and 617M asshown in FIG. 66.

In one illustrative embodiment, a pneumatic system 806 may includepressurized air source 832, a plurality of air bladders 811, 812, 81N, amanifold 836 including separate valves associated with each bladder 811,812, 81N, a plurality of pressure sensors 834, 835, 83N, and anair-tubing system 838 arranged to interconnect each bladder 811, 812,81N, pressurized air source 832, and each pressure sensor 834, 835, 83N.Each bladder 811, 812, 81N may be coupled to pressurized air source 832by a tube included in air-tubing system 838 so that each bladder 811,812, 81N can be inflated and deflated separately. Each pressure sensor834, 835, 83N may be coupled to a separate bladder 811, 812, 81N by atube so that the air pressure in each bladder 811, 812, 81N can bemonitored at the same time. Continuous pressure signals from separatepressure sensors 834, 835, 83N may be sent to seat-movement system 620causing seat-movement system 620 to continuously command pressurized airsource 832 to continuously maintain the air pressure in each bladder811, 812, 81N in the acceptable range. As a result of having separatepressure sensors 834, 835, 83N for each bladder 811, 812, 81N, thecontrol of the air pressure in each bladder 811, 812, 81N may be handledin a parallel manner.

Another embodiment of an occupant-support system 1000 may includeconfiguration control system 602, vehicle seat 604, pneumatic system606, and a prediction system 1002 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 69.Occupant-support system 1000 may be configured to performoccupant-support system predicted fitting process 900 that that includesarranging vehicle seat 604 in an initial best-fit arrangement usingconfiguration control system 602, calculating a predicted futureposition of a vehicle using prediction system 1002, and configuring boththe position of vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system 606 to cause theoccupant to be supported appropriately when the vehicle moves throughthe predicted future position.

Prediction system 1002 may include a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)unit 1004 and a mapping unit 1006. As an example, GPS unit 1004 may becoupled to communicate with mapping unit 1006 and configured todetermine a real-time position of the vehicle relative to earth and areal-time speed of the vehicle. GPS unit 1004 may transmit the real-timeposition and speed to mapping unit 1006. Mapping unit 1006 may use thereal-time position and speed to calculate a predicted future positionand speed of the vehicle using map data stored in memory included inmapping unit 1006. Mapping unit 1006 may be further coupled tocommunicate with seat-movement system 620 to send correspondingpredicted future-position data and predicted future-speed data toseat-movement system 620 to cause vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system606 to be adjusted so that vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system 606 maybe in an optimum-fit arrangement appropriate for the predicted futureposition and speed.

In some embodiments, seat controller 640 of seat-movement system 620 maycommunicate with configuration control system 602 during the operationsof staging occupant-support system 912 included in occupant-supportsystem predicted fitting process 900. As an example, prediction system1002 may communicate a predicted future position and/or predictedfuture-position data to seat controller 640 that requires movement ofseat bottom 626 forward relative to vehicle frame 610 which may cause anoccupant's head to contact a roof of the vehicle. As a result, seatcontroller 640 may request a new best-fit arrangement for vehicle seat604 that takes into account the desired change in the seat bottomlocation. In this scenario, staging-occupant support system 912 mayfurther include a reconfiguring operation in which seat controller 640sends revised vehicle data via communication unit 18 to remote computer14 so that a revised optimum-fit arrangement may be determined and sentback to seat controller 640 by way of communication unit 18.

As shown in FIG. 68, occupant-support system predicted fitting process900 illustratively includes acquiring data 902, calculating a bodyarrangement 904, calculating a seat solution 906, adjusting a vehicleseat 908, adjusting a pneumatic system 910, and staging occupant-supportsystem 912 as shown in FIG. 68. As discussed previously, acquiring data902, calculating body arrangement 904, calculating seat solution 906,adjusting vehicle seat 908, and adjusting pneumatic system 910 mayoperate to arrange vehicle seat 604 in an optimum-fit arrangement ofvehicle seat 604 that arranges an occupant's body in a best-fit bodyarrangement white minimizing an interface pressure between the occupantand vehicle seat 604. Staging occupant-support system 912 may arrangevehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system 606 so that the occupant issupported as the vehicle passes through a future position at a futurespeed.

Staging occupant-support system 912 may include the operations ofdetermining actual vehicle position 914, determining actual vehiclespeed 916, calculating predicted future position of the vehicle 918,calculating predicted future speed of the vehicle 920, calculatingpredicted seat solution 922, adjusting vehicle seat 924, adjustingpneumatic system 926, and establishing optimum-fit arrangement 928 ofoccupant-support system 1000. As an example, a user may access and useoccupant-support system predicted fitting 900 by accessing a GPSFitapplication 576 stored in memory that may be included in mobile terminal16. After GPSFit application 576 has been launched, the GUI may show aninitial arrangement of vehicle seat 604, pneumatic system 606, and a map1048 showing the location of vehicle 1001 and surrounding roads andterrain. Activating GPSFit application 576 may cause occupant-supportsystem predicted fitting 900 to start the staging occupant-supportsystem process 912.

Prediction system 1002 may include a data receiver 1008 that may beconfigured to obtain weather data and/or traffic data as suggested inFIG. 69. Data receiver 1008 may be coupled to seat-movement system 620to provide the weather and/or traffic data to seat-movement system 620to cause movement of vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system 606 to bealtered so that the occupant sitting in vehicle seat 604 may bepositioned to respond appropriately for weather and traffic conditionsassociated with the weather and traffic data.

In an example of use, the user has activated the GPSFit applicationcausing the occupant-support system predicted fitting 900 to begin. Asshown in FIG. 71, vehicle 1001 may be traveling along a relativelystraight section 1010 of a road 1012. Staging occupant-support system912 begins with vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system in an initialoptimum-fit arrangement that is suitable for typical driving conditions.As an example, a lateral-support output 1051 indicates that lateralsupport begins at 20%, a recline-angle output 1052 indicates thatrecline angle is at 25 degrees, a cushion-tilt output 1053 indicatesthat cushion tilt is at −3 degrees, and a track-position output 1054indicates that track position is at 100 mm as shown in FIG. 71.

Staging occupant-support system 912 may calculate predicted futureposition and speed 918, 920 in which GPS unit 1004 and mapping unit 1006look ahead and calculate that vehicle 1001 will be in a wavy portion1014 of road 1012 as shown in FIG. 72. Prediction system 1002 mayprovide a predicted future position and speed to seat-movement system620 causing vehicle seat 604 to move its track position from 100 mm to95 min as indicated by track-position output 1054, seat bottom 626 toincrease cushion tilt from −3.0 degrees to −1.0 degrees as indicated bycushion-tilt output 1053, and seat back 628 to increase the reclineangle from 25 degrees to 27 degrees as indicated by recline-angle output1052, and simultaneously increasing lateral support from 20% to 40% asindicated by lateral-support output 1051 as shown in FIG. 72. Whilevehicle 1001 may be in wavy portion 1014, prediction system 1002provides anew predicted future position and speed.

The new predicted future position and speed may be associated with alarge right-hand curve 1016 as shown in FIG. 73. Prediction system 1002may then send the third new future position and speed to seat-movementsystem 620 to cause vehicle seat 604 to move its track position from 95mm to 90 mm as indicated by track-position output 1054, seat bottom 626to increase cushion tilt from −1.0 degrees to +1.0 degrees as indicatedby cushion-tilt output 1053, and seat back 6 to increase the reclineangle from 27 degrees to 29 degrees as indicated by recline-angle output1052 and simultaneously increasing lateral support from 40% to 45% asindicated by lateral-support output 1051 as shown in FIG. 73.

Prediction system 1002 may then calculate another new predicted futureposition and speed that may be associated with another left-hand turn1018 in road 1012 as shown in FIG. 74. Prediction system 1002 may thensend the newest predicted future position to seat-movement system 620that causes vehicle seat 604 to maintain the track position at 90 mm asindicated by track-position output 1054, seat bottom 626 to increasecushion tilt from +1.0 degrees to +3.0 degrees as indicated bycushion-tilt output 1053, and seat back 628 to maintain the reclineangle at 29 degrees as indicated by recline-angle output 1052, andsimultaneously increasing lateral support from 45% to 100% as indicatedby lateral-support output 1051 as shown in FIG. 74.

Finally, prediction system 1002 may calculate yet another new predictedfuture position and speed that may be associated with another straightportion 1020 in road 1012 as shown in FIG. 75. The newest predictedfuture position and speed may then be sent to seat-movement system 620to cause vehicle seat 604 to move its track position from 90 mm to 100mm as indicated by track-position output 1054, seat bottom 626 todecrease cushion tilt from +3.0 degrees to −3.0 degrees as indicated bycushion-tilt output 1053, and seat back 628 to decrease the reclineangle from 29 degrees to 25 degrees as indicated by recline-angle output1052, and simultaneously decreasing lateral support from 100% to 20% asindicated by lateral-support output 1051 as shown in FIG. 75. As vehicle1001 remains on second straight portion 1020, seat-movement system 620may maintain the configuration of vehicle seat 604 and pneumatic system606 as shown in FIG. 75.

Prediction system 1002 may also cause vehicle data to be updated by seatcontroller 640. Prediction system 1002 may provide additionallimitations to movement of vehicles eat 604 as a result of mapping unit1006 of prediction system 1002 providing a predicted future position andspeed to seat controller 640 that arranges the occupant's eyes at aspecific location relative to the vehicle frame or windshield. As anexample, traffic or weather data may suggest that the occupant haveimproved visibility requiring that the occupant's eyes be at a higherelevation thus improving visibility. As a result, a different set ofadjustment instructions may be needed as a revised best-fit arrangementof vehicle seat 604 thus causing calculating body arrangement 904,calculating seat solution 906, and adjusting vehicle seat 908 to bere-initiated using the updated vehicle data.

Occupant-support systems 400, 600, 800, 1000 provide improved utility.First, communication unit 18 and vehicle seats 402, 404, 604 facilitatefurther customized seating fit to the occupant based on data provided byone or more sensors within the occupant's vehicle seat and/or vehicle.This customized seating fit can be provided optionally on a continuousbasis. Second, the data used to customize the occupant's seating fit maybe generated using professional personnel's manual measurement of theoccupant's dimensions and inputting of that data into a customizedcomputer application on behalf of the occupant, thereby improving easeof implementation. Third, Occupant-support systems 400, 600, 800, 1000can compensate for sensed and/or predicted future physical conditionsbased on GPS detection of the location of the occupant's vehicle andmapping to vehicle road configurations and/or conditions so as to targetthe occupant's seating experience to compensate for predicted vehiclehandling and speed.

The description of specific embodiments is not intended to be limitingof the present disclosure. To the contrary, those skilled in the artshould appreciate that there are numerous variations and equivalentsthat may be employed without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Those equivalents and variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

In the following description of various present disclosure embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, variousembodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be used and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present disclosure.

Moreover, it should be understood that various connections are set forthbetween elements in the following description; however, theseconnections in general, and, unless otherwise specified, may be eitherdirect or indirect, either permanent or transitory, and either dedicatedor shared, and that this specification is not intended to be limiting inthis respect.

While this present disclosure has been described in conjunction with thespecific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, notlimiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, it should be understood that the functionality describedin connection with various described components of various presentdisclosure embodiments may be combined or separated from one another insuch a way that the architecture of the present disclosure is somewhatdifferent than what is expressly disclosed herein. Moreover, it shouldbe understood that, unless otherwise specified, there is no essentialrequirement that methodology operations be performed in the illustratedorder; therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatsome operations may be performed in one or more alternative order and/orsimultaneously.

Further, it should be understood that, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, system components may beimplemented together or separately and there may be one or more of anyor all of the disclosed system components. Further, system componentsmay be either dedicated systems or such functionality may be implementedas virtual systems implemented on general purpose equipment via softwareimplementations.

Although the utility of various present disclosure embodiments has beendescribed in connection with the distribution of promotional content, itshould be understood that distributed information is not limited topromotional content but may also or alternatively includenon-promotional material.

As a result, it will be apparent for those skilled in the art that theillustrative embodiments described are only examples and that variousmodifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure asdefined in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An occupant support system comprising aconfiguration control system for a seat, the configuration controlsystem comprising: an interface configured to obtain occupant dataassociated with an occupant; and computer means for receiving theoccupant data, calculating a set of body ratios using the occupant data,calculating external body dimensions using the set of body ratios andthe occupant data, calculating internal body dimensions using at leastthe external body dimensions, and calculating a best-fit bodyarrangement of the occupant using the internal body dimensions andpredetermined criteria so that the occupant's comfort and/or safety isincreased when the occupant's body is in the best-fit body arrangement,and an actuator adapted to move the seat to the best-fit bodyarrangement.
 2. The occupant support system of claim 1, furthercomprising a vehicle seat configured to mount to a vehicle frameincluded in a vehicle, and wherein the interface is further configuredto obtain vehicle data associated with the vehicle seat and the computeris further configured to calculate a best-fit seating solution using theinternal body dimensions, the predetermined criteria, and the vehicledata.
 3. The occupant support system of claim 2, wherein the computer isfurther configured to generate a best-fit arrangement of the vehicleseat using the best-fit seating solution and to communicate instructionsfor moving the vehicle seat to the best-fit arrangement.
 4. The occupantsupport system of claim 1, wherein the interface obtains occupant dataas a result of receiving manually input occupant data obtained from theoccupant by asking the occupant a set of questions and measuringoccupant's body parts.
 5. The occupant support system of claim 1,wherein the configuration control system further includes a sensorconfigured to generate occupant data in response to scanning theoccupant and the sensor is coupled to the computer to communicate theoccupant data to the computer.
 6. The occupant support system of claim1, wherein the computer is spaced apart from the interface and iscoupled to the interface to communicate with the interface by acommunication unit included in the configuration control system.
 7. Theoccupant support system of claim 1, further comprising a vehicle seatincluding a seat bottom configured to mount on a vehicle frame includedin a vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle frame, a seat backcoupled to the seat bottom for pivoting movement about a seat-back pivotaxis relative to the seat back, and a seat controller coupled to theseat bottom and to the configuration control system to receiveinstructions for moving the seat bottom and the seat back to cause theseat back and the seat bottom to be arranged so that the occupant is inthe best-fit body arrangement.
 8. The occupant support system of claim2, further comprising a pneumatic system including a pneumatic bladdercoupled to the vehicle seat, a pressurized air source coupled to thepneumatic bladder to provide pressurized air to the bladder and coupledto the computer to receive commands from the computer, and a pressuresensor coupled to the pneumatic bladder to sense air pressure in thebladder and communicate the sensed air pressure to the computer to causethe computer to command the pressurized air source to maintain the airpressure in the pneumatic bladder in an acceptable pressure range. 9.The occupant support system of claim 1, further comprising a predictionsystem including a GPS unit configured to determine position data for avehicle relative to earth, a mapping unit coupled to the GPS unit toreceive the position data for the vehicle and determine a predictedfuture position of the vehicle relative to earth as the vehicle movesalong a path and coupled to the computer to send corresponding predictedfuture-position data of the vehicle to the computer, wherein thecomputer is further configured to calculate a revised best-fit bodyarrangement using the predicted future-position data and the occupantdata so that the occupant's comfort and/or safety is increased when thevehicle is at the predicted future position.
 10. An occupant supportsystem comprising: a vehicle seat including a seat bottom configured tobe mounted to a vehicle frame included in a vehicle for movementrelative to the vehicle frame, a seat back coupled to the seat bottom topivot about a seat-back pivot axis relative to the seat bottom, and aseat-movement system coupled to the seat back and seat bottom to controlmovement of the seat back and seat bottom; and a configuration controlsystem including an interface configured to obtain occupant dataassociated with an occupant and vehicle data associated with the vehicleseat and a computer configured to provide means for receiving theoccupant data and the vehicle data, calculating a set of body ratiosusing the occupant data, calculating external body dimensions using theset of body ratios and the occupant data, calculating internal bodydimensions using an estimate of a thickness of the occupant's flesh andthe external body dimensions, calculating a best-fit body arrangement ofthe occupant using the internal body dimensions and predeterminedcriteria, calculating a best-fit seating solution using the best-fitbody arrangement, the vehicle data, and the predetermined criteria, andcommunicating the best-fit seating solution to the seat-movement systemto cause the seat bottom and the seat back to move to cause a best-fitarrangement of the vehicle seat to be established so that the occupant'scomfort and/or safety is increased when the vehicle seat is in thebest-fit arrangement.
 11. A method of generating and using a best-fitbody arrangement for a body of an occupant in a seat, the methodcomprising: obtaining occupant data associated with the occupant via aninterface; calculating internal body dimensions using the occupant data;and calculating the best-fit body arrangement of the occupant in theseat using the internal body dimensions and predetermined criteria,moving the seat to the best-fit body arrangement to increase theoccupant's comfort and/or safety.
 12. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising obtaining vehicle data associated with a vehicle seat to beused by the occupant and calculating a best-fit seating solution usingthe internal body dimensions, the predetermined criteria, and thevehicle data.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising generatinga best-fit arrangement of the vehicle seat using the best-fit seatingsolution and communicating instructions for moving the vehicle seat tothe best-fit arrangement.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theinstructions for moving the vehicle seat to the best-fit arrangementinclude instructions for moving a seat bottom and seat back to cause theseat back and the seat bottom to be arranged so that the occupant is inthe best-fit body arrangement.
 15. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: generating commands for a pneumatic system included in thevehicle seat, the pneumatic system including a pneumatic bladder coupledto the vehicle seat and a pressurized air source coupled to thepneumatic bladder to provide pressurized air to the bladder; sensing airpressure in the bladder using a sensor coupled to the pneumatic bladder;and maintaining the air pressure in the pneumatic bladder within anacceptable range based on the sensed air pressure.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising activating the pneumatic system so that anoptimum-fit arrangement of the vehicle seat and the pneumatic system isachieved in which the vehicle seat is at the best-fit arrangement andthe pneumatic bladder is in the acceptable pressure range.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the occupant data is obtained as a result ofreceiving manually input occupant data obtained from the occupant byasking the occupant a set of questions and measuring body parts of theoccupant.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising generatingoccupant data using a sensor that scans the occupant.
 19. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising: determining position data for a vehiclerelative to earth; determining a predicted future position of thevehicle relative to earth as the vehicle moves along a path andgenerating corresponding predicted future-position data of the vehicle;and calculating a revised best-fit body arrangement using the predictedfuture-position data and the occupant data so that the occupant'scomfort and/or safety is increased when the vehicle is at the predictedfuture position.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein calculating thebest-fit body arrangement includes: calculating a set of body ratiosusing the occupant data; calculating external body dimensions using theset of body ratios and the occupant data; and calculating the internalbody dimensions using an estimate of a thickness of the occupant's fleshand the calculated external body dimensions.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein a best-fit seating solution is used to generate instructions tocause a seat bottom and a seat back of a vehicle seat to move to cause abest-fit arrangement of the vehicle seat so that the occupant's comfortand/or safety is increased when the vehicle seat is in the best-fitarrangement.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising calculatinga revised best-fit seating solution using predicted future-positiondata, the best-fit seating solution, and the vehicle data; andgenerating instructions for moving the seat bottom and the seat back tomove to the revised best-fit arrangement and activate a pneumatic systemso that an optimum-fit arrangement of the vehicle seat and the pneumaticsystem is achieved so that the occupant's comfort and/or safety isincreased when the vehicle is at a predicted future position.
 23. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising calculating a revised best-fitseating solution using predicted future-position data, the best-fitseating solution, and the vehicle data; and generating instructions formoving the seat bottom and the seat back to move to the revised best-fitarrangement and activate a pneumatic system so that an optimum-fitarrangement of the vehicle seat and the pneumatic system is achieved sothat the occupant's comfort and/or safety is increased as the vehicletravels through a predicted future position.
 24. The method of claim 20,further comprising calculating a best-fit seating solution using thebest-fit body arrangement, vehicle data, and the predetermined criteria.25. The method of claim 11, wherein the internal body dimensions aredetermined using bone dimensions of the occupant and the bone dimensionsare determined based on the occupant data.
 26. The method of claim 11,wherein the occupant data is generated—based on image data included inan image taken using the interface.
 27. The method of claim 26, furthercomprising outputting display of a caliper on the interface to enablemeasurement of body dimensions of the occupant using the image.